Good afternoon,

We are in the process of accommodating one service dog in a geosciences laboratory, where  there will be some use of mostly lower hazard chemicals (buffers) and a few higher hazard (2-5% aqueous HCl solutions, for example).  The dog's PPE will mirror that of the students, labcoat, close-fitting 'doggles', booties.  We also expect to have another service dog later in the semester in a chemistry lab.

In the protocol for the geolab, if there is a chemical exposure I specified a 15 minute period in the safety shower, since that is what would be standard treatment for a human.  I was asked by the lab supervisor whether there was another standard for dogs, which is why I'm turning, yet again, to this fabulous 'hive mind'.  Would 15 minutes under the shower be the standard, treating the outer fur first then making sure water got to the lower levels and skin?  

Also, if you have had a service dog in chemical-intensive or an instrumentation lab (where there might be occasional noises as the LN2 or Argon dewar releases gas to reduce pressure buildup, for example)--were there any local animal irritant, noise or action that you found was a surprise and needed to be acknowledged and/or dealt with even though you'd had discussions with the handler, the faculty/staff person in charge of the lab?

as always, I much appreciate everyrone's time in sharing their experiences and thoughts.

best,

Margaret

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Margaret A. Rakas, Ph.D.
Lab Safety & Compliance Director
Clark Science Center
413-585-3877 (p)

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